Award Data

There is an urgent need for a rapid biological detection system that demonstrates the efficacy of decontamination products for inactivating Bacillus anthracis spores on environmental surfaces. To address the U.S. Army/CBD need for such a fieldable, rapid, NIST-certified, quantitative bio-indicator system, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a new Spores Viability Detection (SVD) ...

We propose a metamaterial-enhanced microbolometer with strong absorption over a narrow band that is dynamically tunable over the 8-10 micron band. A single-layer photonic metamaterial consisting of a thin metal film perforated with a 2-D array of dielectric apertures will be deposited on an amorphous-Silicon layer acting as an absorber and bolometer. The metamaterial, in conjunction with planar di ...

Intelligent Optical Systems (IOS) proposes to develop a field-rugged, colorimetric indicating test paper that is capable of detecting multiple chemical warfare agents (CWAs), at low concentrations, in adverse environments. The proposed sensor array will detect threatening chemical agents and provide a visual readout after coming in contact with the agent, or agents. This array will overcome the st ...

Raman spectroscopy is a highly effective non-contact laser remote sensing method for detecting and identifying chemicals in every-day field environments. Raman spectroscopy is particularly suited for detecting trace surface contaminants that may indicate the presence of explosives, harmful chemical or biological agents. Contemporary systems, such as the vehicle mounted Joint Contaminated Surface D ...

Program tasks include analysis to improve wavelength diversity, high PRF discharges and catalysis in normal and isotopic pulsed CO2 laser mixtures, and high energy extraction in a single mode resonator. Analysis will be performed for pulse energy scaleup to the 1-5 J level at high PRF in support of the cloud search, track, and map functions. The impact of improved laser operation and enhanced da ...

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase I project will develop a non-animal based in-vitro assay for determining the efficacy of Botulinum (BoNT) neutralizing therapeutics; the dual nanopore assay (DNPA). New technologies are currently needed in order to facilitate the development and approval of BoNT vaccines and therapies, and align with the NIH and FDA"s guidance for reducing/replacing th ...

Currently, the accepted standard experimental model for measuring protective efficacy against botulism is the Mouse Lethality Neutralization (MLN) assay. Botulism poisoning is a life threatening condition that is not only a public health concern, but could also be a potential biological weapon. With seven serotypes of botulinum neurotoxins, there is need for an alternative to the MLN assay due t ...

To address the CBD need for improved formulations to enhance the ease of use and bioavailability of antisense therapeutics, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to advance development of a Multifunctional Antisense Therapeutics Nanocarrier and Inhalation Device (MATEN). This proposed system is based on a new dry powder formulation and a novel design of an inhaler that uses mature components ...

Poor drug candidates are often identified late in the drug development process (e.g., in the preclinical and clinical phases) and contribute significantly to the high cost and low yield of drug discovery. As a result, new tools are needed to accelerate the assessment of drug candidate toxicity earlier in the drug development process. To address this Chemical/Bio Defense (CBD) need, Physical Optics ...

To address the Chemical and Biological Defense (CBD) need for a residual life indicator (RLI) capable of determining the degradation in physical adsorption and reactive capacity arising from battlefield contaminants and exposure to the elements, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to continue the development of a new Miniature Residual Life Indicator (MRLIN). MRLIN is based on impedance spe ...